In a fiery response to Attorney General Anil Nandlall’s controversial comments at a Stabroek Market political meeting, Pt. Ubraj Narine, former Mayor of Georgetown and prominent member of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has condemned the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government for what he calls the “perpetuation of slavery-like control” over Afro-Guyanese citizens.
Nandlall, while speaking to supporters, controversially referred to the iconic Afro-Guyanese freedom fighter Cuffy as a “proud and upstanding house slave.” The statement, which was widely denounced, triggered an impassioned response from Narine, who called the remarks an insult to Afro-Guyanese heritage and a distortion of history.
A Distortion of History
At the heart of Narine’s response was a defense of Cuffy, who led the 1763 Revolution against Dutch colonial rulers. Narine fiercely rejected Nandlall’s portrayal of Cuffy, Guyana’s National Hero- as a house slave, insisting that Cuffy was a freedom fighter who fought valiantly for liberty, not a submissive figure in the colonial system.
“Cuffy was not a house slave—he was a freedom fighter who gave his life for the liberty of generations to come,” Narine asserted. “Instead of honouring his sacrifice, the PPP continues to dishonour his legacy, perpetuating the very oppression Cuffy fought against.”
The former Mayor also reminded that Cuffy’s rebellion was not just a historical event but a symbol of resistance against colonial subjugation, a symbol that remains central to Afro-Guyanese identity and the ongoing struggle for equality in the country. By labeling Cuffy as a “house slave,” Narine argued that Nandlall was trivialising this legacy and, worse, was sending a dangerous message to Afro-Guyanese communities.
A Call to Resist Political Subjugation
Narine’s response went further than historical accuracy—he framed Nandlall’s remarks as part of a broader pattern of political manipulation. He directly accused the PPP of maintaining “colonial-style control” over Afro-Guyanese citizens, suggesting that by making such statements, the party was signaling that it viewed Afro-Guyanese people as subordinate. “By calling Cuffy a house slave, Nandlall is indirectly telling you that under the PPP, they are the colonial masters and you are still the slaves,” Narine stated emphatically.
Narine’s remarks came just days before Guyana’s pivotal September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections. With mounting frustration among many voters, particularly those in Afro-Guyanese communities, Narine made a direct appeal to them: “On September 1, rise up and say loud and clear: We are no slaves to the PPP. We are rightful heirs of this country, and we will reclaim what is ours.” Narine’s call for resistance and unity was a challenge to the prevailing political order, urging voters to reject the PPP’s perceived monopoly on power.
An Insult to Afro-Guyanese Identity
As the election draws closer, Narine’s words have resonated deeply within Afro-Guyanese communities who have long felt alienated by the PPP’s governance. He described Nandlall’s statement as not just a political misstep, but a “disgrace to every Afro-Guyanese”—a direct attack on their dignity. The PPP’s treatment of Cuffy, Narine argued, was reflective of its broader approach to governance: one that disregards Afro-Guyanese contributions and sacrifices.
“This isn’t just about the WIN or APNU. This is about standing up for our heritage, our right to be free, and our right to govern ourselves with dignity,” Narine emphasised. He painted the PPP as the party of subjugation, urging Afro-Guyanese voters to make their voices heard by voting them out.
A Divisive Political Rhetoric
Narine’s call to action highlights the divisive political climate in Guyana, where historical wounds and the legacies of slavery and colonialism continue to influence electoral dynamics. His response to Nandlall’s remarks brings these tensions to the forefront, underscoring the fractured relationship between the ruling party and many Afro-Guyanese voters. “This is not just a political issue—it is about upholding the values of equality and justice for all Guyanese,” Narine concluded.
The remark about Cuffy’s legacy, a hero who symbolises Afro-Guyanese resistance, is now a focal point in the political discourse leading up to the election. It not only reignites long-standing grievances but also positions the upcoming vote as a chance for Afro-Guyanese communities to assert their political agency. “Stand strong, stand united, and let us vote for change,” Narine urged.
As the September 1 elections approach, the debate over Cuffy’s legacy and Nandlall’s controversial statement is likely to serve as a powerful rallying cry for opposition forces and a turning point in the struggle for greater political accountability in Guyana. For Narine and his supporters, it is more than an election; it is a call for justice and the restoration of dignity for Afro-Guyanese citizens.
See Nandlall’s comment here
